MLB Player News

Rodon (elbow) is expected to throw a two-up side session Saturday, Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News reports.

If all goes well Saturday, then Rodon could be cleared to throw a live bullpen session next week. The veteran southpaw was placed on the 15-day injured list in early July due to left elbow inflammation but has made significant progress since receiving a second round of injections last week. Barring any setbacks, Rodon could be back in the Yankees' rotation by mid-August.

Rangers manager Skip Schumaker said that Jung (calf) was unable to run at full speed prior to Friday's game against Seattle, Jeff Wilson of AllDLLS.com reports.

Schumaker said the Jung was running at "half-speed" as a result of a left calf injury that Jung picked up Tuesday against the White Sox. The injury is severe enough that the veteran third baseman may need a stint on the IL, and Wilson suggests that a decision from the Rangers could come as soon as Saturday. Ezequiel Duran is starting at third base Friday and could continue to see more reps at the hot corner for as long as Jung is sidelined.

Garcia (elbow) will embark on a rehab assignment with Single-A Dunedin on Saturday, Hazel Mae of Sportsnet reports.

Garcia has been pulled from two previous rehab assignments due to nerve issues related to his biceps and neck. The veteran right-hander is ready to restart his rehab assignment and is slated to pitch one inning for Dunedin on Saturday. Garcia has been sidelined since early July of 2025 due to a right elbow injury and will likely need multiple minor-league outings before being cleared to return to the majors.

Seager (back) took four at-bats in a simulated live batting practice Friday, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

Seager landed on the 10-day injured list July 1 due to lower-back inflammation, but he's steadily progressing in his recovery. He's expected to log at least one more live batting practice session before the Rangers' medical staff decides whether he's ready to embark on a rehab assignment.

Triple-A St. Paul reinstated Culpepper (hand) from the 7-day injured list Friday.

Culpepper has appeared in just two games for St. Paul since June 28 due to a glute strain and a hand injury. He's progressed enough in his recovery from the latter issue to return to action at Triple-A, where he's slashing .272/.376/.492 with 15 steals and 14 home runs across 295 plate appearances.

Baez (ankle) will move his rehab assignment to Triple-A Toledo on Saturday, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Baez made two appearances for Single-A Lakehead earlier this week and is ready to take the next step in his recovery from a right ankle sprain that landed him on the injured list in late April. He'll need multiple reps in center field and shortstop before being cleared to return from the 60-day IL.

Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy said that Suarez (groin/illness) is an option to return from the 15-day injured list to start Sunday's series finale versus the Blue Jays at Fenway Park, Gabrielle Starr of the Boston Herald reports.

Suarez was initially lined up to start during Red Sox's series against the Orioles earlier in the week, but his activation was delayed after he succumbed to an illness. Tracy relayed that he wants to ensure that Suarez is back to full health before taking the mound, so the Red Sox will presumably check back in with the veteran southpaw on Saturday before deciding on his availability for the series finale. If Suarez can't go Sunday, Payton Tolle would be lined up to start.

Barger will undergo season-ending surgery to repair the UCL in his right elbow, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

Whether Barger needs a full Tommy John repair or an internal brace procedure will not be known until the surgery is performed. If it's the former, he could get a late start to next season following a nine-month rehab. An internal brace operation carries a timetable of six months, which would give Barger a chance to be ready around the start of spring training. Barger will conclude the 2026 season having played only nine games due to injury, as he battled a stress reaction in his back in addition to the elbow injury.

Crawford (wrist) is not in the lineup for Seattle's matchup against the Rangers on Friday.

After missing all three games of Seattle's previous series against the Reds and having Thursday's rest day, Crawford will sit out Friday's series opener. Weston Wilson will get the start at third base while Colt Emerson will take over at shortstop for the Mariners.

Leiter (ankle) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session with more intensity Saturday, Jeff Wilson of AllDLLS.com reports.

Leiter underwent surgery one month ago to remove a loose body from his right ankle region. He resumed mound work over the All-Star break and will try throwing with more effort this weekend. If that goes well, Leiter can get the go-ahead to continue a throwing progression. The Rangers have not revealed a timeline for the righty, but he is several weeks away from a return.